"Germany Wants War...An Effective Declaration" World War Even Invoked—What's Happening?

Germany Points to Russia as Culprit Behind 'Explosive Drone' Attack

Russian Foreign Minister Condemns Germany: "An Effective Declaration of War Against Us"

Tensions between Germany and Russia have escalated to an extreme level following allegations that Russia was behind the drone loaded with explosives discovered at Leipzig/Halle Airport, a key logistics hub in eastern Germany, last month. In response to the German government’s strong retaliatory measures—such as closing the Russian consulate general and cultural center—Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister, strongly objected, stating, "Germany wants war again."

The bomb disposal unit deployed at Leipzig Airport in Germany last month. Photo by Yonhap News

Germany Identifies Russia as Perpetrator of Airport Bomb Drone Attack, Initiates Retaliation

According to AFP on September 6 (local time), the incident began with an attempted operation inside the security zone of Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4. Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, this airport has served as a central hub for Western military aid shipments and as a major NATO military logistics center. At that time, a drone loaded with explosives appeared near four Antonov An-124 large cargo planes belonging to Antonov Airlines of Ukraine. Airport CCTV footage captured the drone striking the wing of one cargo plane, while a DHL cargo plane attempting to land also collided with an unidentified flying object, damaging its tail fin. At least three additional drones, explosives, control antennas, and electronic components were subsequently recovered near the site.

After more than a month of internal investigation and intelligence agency analysis, on September 1, the German government officially concluded that the incident was a Russian operation. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul pointed out, "The drone design and components, explosives, and detonation systems used in this incident are consistent with those identified in other Russian hybrid operations and during the war in Ukraine." Germany summoned the Russian ambassador, closed the Russian Consulate General in Bonn, and abruptly terminated the operational agreement for the Russian culture center 'Russisches Haus' in Berlin. German authorities also suspect Russian involvement in a parcel fire incident at an airport logistics company in 2024.

Russian Foreign Minister Outraged: "Effectively a Declaration of War"...Putin Blames German Political Popularity Decline

The Russian side immediately denounced the conclusion as a "hastily fabricated provocation" and responded by shutting down German cultural organizations in Russia, with senior leaders escalating their criticism. In a media interview, Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister, claimed, "They found a drone. They said it was Russian, but no one identified it," and added, "This is essentially the start of an actual war. It reminds me of the situation before World War II began. They want war again."

Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister. Photo by TASS Yonhap News Agency

Minister Lavrov also mentioned the security policies of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, stating, "Declarations to make Germany a military powerhouse in Europe again are being implemented," and said, "This is practically a declaration of war against us." He emphasized again that "the Russian consulate was driven out of Bonn, and the agreement was scrapped," and, "I recall that before World War II, Germany also closed diplomatic missions."

Russian President Vladimir Putin, at a press conference in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, also insisted that the evidence presented by Germany was "manipulated and planted," and argued, "Given the declining approval ratings and the upcoming elections, issues regarding the political future of Germany's governing elites are the main relevant factors," raising the notion of a political conspiracy.

Germany Deploys 'Anti-Drone Units' and Begins Building 'Cyber Dome'

With the threat of Russian hybrid operations becoming a reality, the German government has promptly begun restructuring its security system to protect national critical facilities. The German Interior Ministry has decided to deploy dedicated anti-drone operation units in major cities to protect the airspace over key national infrastructure such as airports, train stations, and government buildings. In addition, to counter hacking and cyberterrorism targeting public institutions and major companies, the government is simultaneously moving forward with establishing a national-level integrated detection and blocking system dubbed the 'Cyber Dome.'

Antonov cargo plane at Leipzig Airport. Photo by EPA Yonhap News

Germany’s hardline response can be seen as a declaration that it will not tolerate acts of sabotage against its infrastructure. As hybrid attacks—combining non-military and military means—materialize, Germany is going beyond diplomatic protests and entering a stage of strengthening its practical defense capabilities.

EU and NATO: "Russia's Attack Is Clear"...Resolve for Unity

In response to Germany’s robust measures, the Western bloc is demonstrating strong unity. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte praised the clarity of the evidence provided by Germany on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "NATO will continue to strengthen its ability to defend all allies against any threats," and declared, "Russia's attempts to weaken our unity and willingness to support Ukraine are futile and will fail."

European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also asserted, "There will be no overlooking of hybrid attacks without a clear response," and officially announced that additional EU sanctions are being prepared.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.